Lima, the City of Kings, is far more than just a gateway to Machu Picchu. It’s a world-class destination in its own right! Lima is a sprawling metropolis where ancient history, vibrant culture, and a world-renowned culinary scene converge.
A 4 day Lima itinerary is the perfect amount of time to get a true feel for this dynamic capital before heading to the Andes. Our comprehensive Lima travel guide will show you the best things to do in Lima, ensuring you experience the city’s highlights and discover its hidden gems.
How to Spend 4 Days in Lima
This itinerary is designed to give you a well-rounded experience, blending history, culture, and gastronomy. As a local who lives full-time in Lima, I’ve focused on efficiency, grouping activities by location to help you with getting around Lima in 4 days, without wasting time in traffic.
Day 1 in Lima: A Journey Through Pueblo Libre
Devote your first day to exploring the heart of Peruvian history in Pueblo Libre. This is a crucial start to your trip, providing the historical context that will make your visit to Machu Picchu and Cusco so much more meaningful.
- Morning: Mateo Salado & Larco Museum. Start your day with a visit to Mateo Salado, the largest archaeological site in the city. This pre-Inca pyramid complex is an impressive testament to the Lima and Ichsma cultures, right in the heart of the modern city. Afterward, head to the nearby Larco Museum, widely considered Peru’s best. Housed in a magnificent 18th-century colonial mansion, it holds an extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian art. Don’t miss the famed erotic pottery collection and the stunning gardens.
- Lunch: Larco Museum Café. For a truly elegant experience, have lunch at the Larco Museum’s own restaurant. The restaurant is set in a beautiful courtyard, offering delicious Peruvian fusion cuisine.
- Afternoon: Pueblo Libre Walking Tour & MNAAHP. After lunch, consider taking a Pueblo Libre walking tour. A guided tour is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the district’s historically significant and dynamically bohemian vibe. You’ll learn about its role in the country’s independence and why it’s called the ‘villa de los Libertadores‘. You will also see hidden plazas and colonial mansions. Next, visit the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru (MNAAHP). As the country’s oldest and most important museum, it provides a deeper dive into Peru’s vast historical narrative.
- Dinner: Criollo Cuisine. For dinner, try one of Lima’s two best Criollo restaurants. Both are located in Pueblo Libre. Choose between the historic Antigua Taberna Queirolo, a living piece of Lima’s history and the city’s oldest bar and restaurant. Or, try El Bolivariano, known for its traditional, hearty dishes.
Day 2 in Lima: The UNESCO Historic Centre
Your second day is dedicated to the colonial grandeur and bustling streets of Lima’s UNESCO World Heritage site, the Historic Centre.
- Morning: Plaza de Armas. Begin at the historic main square, a stunning example of colonial architecture. Admire the Government Palace (where you can often witness the changing of the guard at noon), the Lima Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace.
- Late Morning: Basilica and Convent of San Francisco. Just a few blocks away, this is a must-see for its magnificent architecture and the eerie catacombs below. The catacombs hold the remains of tens of thousands of people and offer a fascinating, albeit somber, look into the city’s past.
- Lunch & Exploration: Wander through the historic center, finding a local spot for lunch. Walk down the pedestrian-friendly Jirón de la Unión to see the colonial balconies that give the city its unique character.
- Late Afternoon: Magic Water Circuit. As the sun begins to set, head to the Parque de la Reserva to witness the incredible Magic Water Circuit. This park holds the Guinness World Record for the largest fountain complex in the world. The choreographed light, sound, and water show in the evening is a truly magical experience.
Day 3 in Lima: A Day Trip to Caral
For a truly unique experience, dedicate a day to a day trip to Caral. This will be a long day of around 12 hours. But it’s well worth it to witness the oldest known civilization in the Americas, dating back over 5,000 years.
- Full Day Excursion: Caral is located about 3-4 hours north of Lima, so it requires an early start. It’s recommended to book a guided tour that includes transport, a professional guide, and lunch. A tour will provide context for the impressive pyramids, ceremonial centers, and amphitheaters of this ancient city. This is a profound and humbling experience that puts the entire timeline of Peruvian history into perspective.
Day 4 in Lima: Barranco’s Bohemian Charm and Ceviche by the Sea
Your final day is for a more relaxed, sensory experience, focusing on Lima’s artistic soul and world-class seafood.
- Morning: Barranco’s Historic Quarter. Begin the day in the artsy, bohemian district of Barranco. Known for its vibrant street art, colorful colonial mansions, and lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely walk. Stroll across the famous Bridge of Sighs and make your way down the winding path known as the Bajada de Baños for stunning ocean views.
- Lunch: Ceviche by the Ocean. Lima is the culinary capital of South America, and no 4 day Lima itinerary is complete without indulging in its national dish. Find one of Barranco’s top-rated cevicherías for a fresh and delicious seafood lunch. Savor a plate of perfectly marinated fish while enjoying the sea breeze.
- Afternoon: Art or History. Barranco is home to a number of excellent art museums. If you’re an art lover, visit the MALI (Lima Art Museum) located nearby, which showcases a comprehensive collection of Peruvian art. Alternatively, you could explore the district’s many small galleries. For a different type of experience, consider visiting the Place of Memory, Tolerance and Social Inclusion (LUM), located a short ride away on the coastal cliffside in Magdalena del Mar. The LUM offers a poignant look into Peru’s recent past.
- Evening: Ocean Views and Sunset. As your trip comes to an end, take a moment to simply relax. Find a spot along the Malecón in Miraflores or Barranco to enjoy the spectacular ocean views and watch the sunset over the Pacific. It’s the perfect way to reflect on your incredible 4 days in Lima.
Travel Tip: If you’ve visited the Mateo Salado Archaeological complex in Pueblo Libre with it’s 5 pyramids, and Caral, there’s absolutely no point in paying to see Huaca Pucllana. Mateo Salado is several times larger, covers more history and is substatially cheaper to visit at just s/15.
Lima Travel Tips: A Final Word
- Getting Around Lima: While the city is large, using ride-sharing apps like Uber or InDriver makes getting around safe and easy. For some journeys in the center, the Metropolitano bus system is a good option. But it does get crowded in peak hours and should be avoided when packed.
- Lima Safety: Like any large city, it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-trafficked tourist areas and use official transportation. But don’t fall for the myth about only one district in Lima being ‘safe’.
- Lima Weather: Don’t be surprised if the skies are gray, especially from May to November. It’s a natural coastal fog called garúa. The temperatures are still mild, and the lack of rain makes it a great time for exploring the inner city.
- Ice in your drink: Ice is perfectly safe in Lima. And particularly in the destinations covered in this guide. It’s a myth that Ice is unsafe in Lima. So, do enjoy ice in your Pisco Sour while in Lima. But don’t drink the tap water.
- Is 4 days enough in Lima? This itinerary shows that you can see a lot in four days, but you could easily spend a week or more exploring the many neighborhoods, museums, and restaurants. For a first-time visitor, however, this 4 day Lima itinerary is the ideal introduction to the city’s diverse wonders.
